Deshaun Watson Latest: Browns Quarterback Skipped Media Availability Wednesday
There's generally only one reason why a starting quarterback would miss its weekly NFL media availability, and it isn't a good one.
The Cleveland Browns announced prior to Wednesday's practice session in Berea, that quarterback Deshaun Watson will not be made available to the media for is weekly press session. The latest sign that Watson is still dealing with effects of what has been described as a "rotator cuff contusion" ahead of the Cleveland's Week Six showdown with the San Francisco 49ers.
Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com added that if Watson practices at all on Wednesday, he will be listed as "limited" on the team's practice report.
Meanwhile, associated Press reporter Tom Withers shared on X that Watson was seen making a brief stop in the locker room before leaving.
Deshaun Watson made a brief appearance in the locker room, grabbed couple things and left.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) October 11, 2023
Watson's throwing shoulder injury continues to be the talk of the town this week. Stemming from a hit taken in the team's Sept. 24 win over the Tennessee Titans, the 28-year-old signal caller was unable to play in Week Four after testing his arm out pregame.
Browns leaders, including general manager Andrew Berry have maintained that there's no structural damage to the shoulder. Still, there's been a curiousness aura surrounding the situation that's exposed the organization to questions about just how serious the injury is and how many weeks Watson could miss?
In a an interview conducted and shared by Cabot, with Los Angeles orthopedic surgeon, Clint Soppe M.D., Soppe noted that Watson's injury can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks to heal.
A rotator cuff contusion like #Browns Deshaun Watson's takes 2-6 weeks to heal, noted orthopedic surgeon (who hasn't treated Watson) tells clevelanddotcom https://t.co/aiPAk43yr1
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) October 11, 2023
If Watson is unable to play on Sunday, the Browns would have to choose between rookie Dorian Thompson Robinson or veteran PJ Walker to serve as their starting quarterback. Reports this week suggest the team would lean away from fifth-round pick, Thompson-Robinson and instead start the veteran Walker.
This is a developing story. Head coach Kevin Stefanski is expected to meet with the media around 1 p.m.